Sanger parks program offers benefits

Sanger
officials say they could use a helping hand from residents to maintain and
clean the city’s four parks, including the new softball complex opened recently
off Interstate 35.

Officials
are hoping that residents and local organizations will participate in the
city’s new Adopt-a-Park Program, which is designed to use volunteers to
maintain and clean city-owned trails, open spaces and parks.

Summer is
the busiest time for the city’s parks maintenance crews, and officials said
that any help the public can provide would be appreciated.

Sanger’s
parks department has a budget of a little less than $600,000 that pays for six
employees, park maintenance, supplies, community centers and utilities. But
during the summer months, park maintenance becomes a challenge due to
additional mowing and other work.

Considering
the state of our lawn lately, we can certainly identify with Sanger’s need for
a little extra help. Recent rainfall has encouraged grass and weeds to go
crazy.

Sanger’s
Adopt-a-Park Program is led by the parks department, and officials say the goal
is to encourage residents to take pride in their parks and keep them clean.

“Any
little thing will help,” said Brian Crenwelge, Parks and Recreation Department
director. “We’re not begging for help, but this will help our department
greatly with maintenance.”

We
believe Sanger’s Adopt-a-Park program is an economically sound way to get more
done with a little help from friends.

And you
don’t have to have a garage filled with lawn-care equipment to participate.
Residents can sign up for different commitment levels ranging from one to two
years and include everything from painting to pulling weeds to picking up
trash, officials said.

When you
stop and think about it, just about anyone can pull weeds and pick up trash,
and volunteering to help with the city’s park maintenance might prove to be an
effective fitness regimen.

This is a
great way to give back to the community and to yourselves — from adding a
healthy exercise to your routine to keeping parks nice and clean for you and
your loved ones and others to enjoy. And, since tax dollars pay for the upkeep,
it’s a way to keep those costs contained.

Organizations,
businesses and residents can also make donations or apply for sponsorships by
contributing monetarily or with tangible goods.

All
residents who complete 25 hours of service will receive an annual discount of
$100 for the rental of a park amenity.

The
volunteer program could also provide a great educational opportunity. Officials
said they hope students, churches and local organizations will join the effort,
and we’ve got a feeling that kids who spend a few hours helping clean a park
won’t be tempted to litter anytime soon.

Officials
have distributed brochures about the program, and they are hoping more
residents will participate. Crenwelge said the program will allow
community-minded groups to work as a team.

We
sincerely hope Sanger residents will take advantage of this opportunity, and we
encourage other cities that don’t already have volunteer programs to consider
developing one.

Working
on improvement projects — even something as simple as picking up litter — is a
great way to instill pride and a sense of ownership in the community.

Residents
who are interested in joining the program or want more information can contact
the city of Sanger Parks and Recreation Department at 940-458-2059 or stop by
the park office at 201 Bolivar St.

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